KARACHI: The Sindh government has banned the tradition of giving Ajrak and Sindhi caps as gifts to schoolchildren during official events. This step aims to stop non-educational activities in schools and prevent the use of students in official ceremonies.
According to a notification from the Sindh Education Department, giving any kind of gifts, including cultural items like Ajrak and Sindhi caps, is no longer allowed in government functions. The notification also bans the practice of lining up students to welcome guests at events.
The department said using children for protocol or welcoming duties is inappropriate. It affects their education and can harm their self-respect. The government warned that strict action will be taken against those who do not follow these orders.
This decision comes after criticism from various groups who raised concerns over children being used as showpieces in official and cultural events. The Sindh government said schools should focus only on education and training—not on protocol or display.
Bans Ajrak, Sindhi Cap Gifts in Sindh Schools;
Sindh government has banned gifting Ajrak and Sindhi caps in schools during official events. Students will no longer be used for welcoming guests or non-educational activities.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Education Department has also decided to start eye checkups for students in government schools.
A letter has been sent to all districts, asking school heads to cooperate. The department said an NGO has been given permission (NOC) to carry out the eye checkups.
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The screening will be done in all districts, and glasses will be provided to students if needed. Dr. Fauzia Khan, Chief Advisor of the Curriculum Wing, said the use of mobile phones is affecting children’s eyesight.
She also urged school principals to fully support the program so that children can be protected from vision problems.
In another development, the Sindh School Education Department has announced summer vacations in schools.
According to details, a notification has been issued stating that summer holidays will start from June 1, 2025, and continue till July 31, 2025. The notification will apply to both government and private schools.
It is worth mentioning that earlier, the Punjab Education Department had also announced summer vacations in schools from May 28.
Free Meals Program Launched for Poor Students in Sindh:
In addition, the Sindh government has launched a new program to provide free meals to students in government schools of underprivileged areas.
The “School Khana Program” was officially launched by Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah at Government Boys Primary School Murad Memon, where he personally served food to the students.
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The program is a joint effort of the Sindh Education Department and the well-known charity, Allah Wale Trust. In the first phase, over 70,000 students from poor areas across the province will receive one free, balanced meal daily.
Speaking at the event, Minister Sardar Ali Shah said there is a strong link between children’s learning and their nutrition. He said poor nutrition affects their ability to learn, and this program will help meet their basic food needs.
He also spoke about the serious poverty situation in the country, saying that Pakistan is among the 10 poorest countries in the world, with 42% of its population living below the poverty line. In such conditions, it is important to pay attention to the needs of our children.
It was shared that over 700 students at the Murad Memon school are already receiving free meals daily, and the program will be expanded to more schools and districts in the future to reach more deserving children.
